Cementitious composition and admixture

ABSTRACT

A cementitious composition including at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. A method of preparing a cementitious composition including forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. An admixture for cementitious compositions including: (i) at least one desugared molasses; and (ii) at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 13/528,903 filed on Jun. 21, 2012, which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/500,873, filed Jun. 24, 2011, which applications are incorporated by reference herein.

Admixtures for cementitious compositions are of widely varying formulations, and are designed to achieve many different purposes. Admixtures typically include materials which are incorporated into the cementitious composition in order to provide certain physical properties to the cementitious composition, such as, but not limited to, increasing the strength of the composition once it begins to set, reducing the amount of water required for adequate workability of the composition, or altering the time required for the composition to set.

The cementitious composition industry is constantly searching for new admixtures which will render processes for producing the compositions more efficient and improve the resulting cementitious compositions.

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of rate of heat evolution of a cement paste containing no admixture compared with cement pastes containing sugar beet molasses and desugared sugar beet molasses.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of set time of cementitious compositions containing sugar beet molasses compared with cementitious compositions containing desugared sugar beet molasses.

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of slump data of sample cementitious compositions containing fly ash.

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of set time data of sample cementitious compositions with and without fly ash.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of compressive strength data of sample cementitious compositions containing slag.

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of compressive strength data of sample cementitious compositions with and without fly ash.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of compressive strength data of sample cementitious compositions with and without slag.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of compressive strength data of sample cementitious compositions with and without slag.

Provided is an admixture and/or cementitious composition comprising at least one desugared molasses. Also provided is a method of preparing a cementitious composition comprising forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material, and at least one desugared molasses.

As used herein, the term “desugared molasses” is defined as at least one of: (i) a molasses which has undergone a process to remove sugar from the molasses; or (ii) a molasses with a total sugar content less than or equal to about 45% by weight of the molasses, based on the dry weight of the molasses. In certain embodiments, a “desugared molasses” may have a sucrose content less than or equal to about 40% by weight of the molasses, based on the dry weight of the molasses. In certain embodiments, a “desugared molasses” may have a sucrose content less than or equal to about 35% by weight of the molasses, based on the dry weight of the molasses. In certain embodiments, a “desugared molasses” may have a sucrose content less than 30% by weight of the molasses, based on the dry weight of the molasses. In certain embodiments, a “desugared molasses” may have a total water content of less than about 40% by weight as manufactured, excluding any water added to the desugared molasses product after manufacturing, based on the total weight of the desugared molasses. In certain embodiments, a “desugared molasses” may exclude by-products of molasses fermentation processes.

Desugared molasses is available commercially from a number of sources, such as MidWest Agri-Commodities, San Rafael, Calif., American Crystal Sugar Company, Hillsboro, N.Dak. and Western Sugar Cooperative, Denver, Colo. As used herein, the term “desugared”, when not used in the exact term “desugared molasses”, refers to the result of a process to remove sugar from a material. The term “dry weight” refers to the total weight of a material or mixture, excluding the weight of any water present in the material or mixture.

Molasses is a byproduct of many sugar refining processes, and includes the material which is left over after sugar is extracted from a raw material, such as sugar beets or sugar cane. Molasses may contain high amounts of residual sugars, and for that reason molasses may be processed to extract additional sugar therefrom in order to maximize the sugar yield of a sugar refining process. The material leftover after molasses has been processed is sometimes referred to generally as desugared molasses. However, the definition of the term “desugared molasses” provided above extends beyond byproducts of processes utilized to extract sugar from molasses.

A non-limiting example of a process to remove sugar from sugar beet molasses is molasses desugaring by chromatography (“MDC”), described in Chapter 8 of Beet Sugar Handbook by Mosen Asaid, PhD (Wiley Interscience, 2007, pp. 517-545). The MDC process may be based on ion-exclusion chromatography technology. The MDC process works based on the exclusion or rejection of ionic compounds and the inclusion or absorption of nonionic compounds. The MDC process is a multi-component process separating not only the sucrose fraction (or extract) from the nonsucrose fraction (raffinate), but also recovering other valuable components of molasses, such as betaine.

Briefly outlined, the steps of the MDC process include: (1) diluting the molasses to 60% to 70% dry solids with water; (2) filtering the diluted molasses to remove suspended solids; (3) heating the filtered dilute molasses; (4) deaerating the dilute molasses; (5) feeding the deaerated dilute molasses through a distributor to a separator containing packed resin in sodium or potassium form; and (6) eluting the separator to remove the products trapped by the resin. As the feed passes through the resin, the nonionic substances (mainly sucrose) attach to the resin, and the ionic substances (mainly nonsucroses) continue moving through the resin bed. The ionic compounds fraction (raffinate) is collected first, and after additional processing becomes a desugared molasses. The elution water then removes sucrose and other nonionic components from the resin in order to produce additional sugar.

A non-limiting example of a process to remove sugar from sugar cane molasses is simulated moving bed chromatography (“SMB chromatography”), described in “Enhancement of Sugar Production Part 2: Chromatographic Separation of Sugarcane Molasses” by H. N. P. Stolz and P. I. Bekker (Proc S Afr Sug Technol Ass (2001) 75, pp. 351-357). The SMB chromatography process is similar to the MDC process describe above, with additional measures taken to ensure efficient separation of sugar cane molasses.

Those materials which fall into the definition of desugared molasses provided above are typically (but need not be) waste products of sugar or other agricultural refining processes. For this reason, desugared molasses may be less costly to procure than other components of conventional cementitious composition admixtures. Surprisingly, the subject desugared molasses provides benefits to cementitious compositions that meet or exceed those benefits provided by conventional admixtures, such as conventional water reducing admixtures.

In certain embodiments, a cementitious composition is provided which comprises at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. For example, the cementitious composition may contain an admixture comprising at least one desugared molasses. The cementitious and/or pozzolanic material may comprise at least one of cement, fly ash, slag, such as blast furnace slag, silica fume or metakaolin. The cement may be a portland cement, a calcium aluminate cement, a magnesium phosphate cement, a magnesium potassium phosphate cement, a calcium sulfoaluminate cement, a gypsum-based cement, or any other suitable hydraulic binder.

In certain embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may comprise at least one of desugared sugar beet molasses, desugared sugar cane molasses, or soy molasses (which may or may not be desugared). The subject desugared molasses, added to a cementitious composition either alone or in combination with other materials, may act in the cementitious composition as a water reducer (also called dispersants or plasticizers), a set retarder, an air entrainment aid, and/or a strength enhancer.

Desugared molasses is typically available as a liquid material, but it may be dried for use according to the present compositions and method. In certain embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may contain an effective of amount of from greater than 0% to about 45% sugars by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses. In further embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may contain an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 40% sucrose by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.

Desugared sugar beet molasses is a desirable product for use in the subject cementitious composition, admixture and method because it is not fit for human consumption, which reduces the value of the material. Samples of commercially available desugared sugar beet molasses were analyzed and determined to have the following composition (percentages are by weight based on total weight of the sample):

TABLE A Total Water - Karl-Fischer Method  36-40% Total Dry Matter Content  60-64% Protein 6.3-6.9% NPN Equivalent to Protein 0.1-0.2% Calcium 0.05-0.3%  Phosphorous  <0.1% Potassium 6.7-8.1% Sodium 1.6-1.9% Chloride 0.4-0.5% Sulfates 0.6-1.5 Reducing Sugars 1.2-1.9% Fructose  <0.1% Glucose  <0.1% Lactose  0-1.2% Maltose  0-1.9% Sucrose  12-22%

The analyzed desugared sugar beet molasses should not be construed to limit in any way the scope of the present subject matter. Desugared sugar beet molasses is merely one example of possible desugared molasses which may be utilized according to the present compositions and method. Further, the composition of desugared sugar beet molasses may vary widely, and some desugared sugar beet molasses may not contain components which fall within the ranges presented in Table A. Table A is provided for illustrative purposes only.

The subject desugared molasses may be combined with any of a number of conventional cementitious composition ingredients or admixtures which include, but are not limited to: dispersants, air entrainers, aggregates, pozzolans, fillers, set and strength accelerators/enhancers, set retarders, water reducers, corrosion inhibitors, wetting agents, water soluble polymers, rheology modifying agents, water repellents, fibers, dampproofing admixtures, permeability reducers, pumping aids, fungicidal admixtures, germicidal admixtures, insecticide admixtures, finely divided mineral admixtures, alkali-reactivity reducers, bonding admixtures, shrinkage reducing admixtures, and any other ingredient or admixture that does not adversely affect the properties of the cementitious composition. The cementitious compositions need not contain one of each of the foregoing materials.

In various embodiments, the dispersant may be at least one of traditional water reducers such as lignosulfonates, melamine sulfonate resins, sulfonated melamine formaldehyde condensates, salts of sulfonated melamine sulfonate condensates, beta naphthalene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate resins, salts of sulfonated naphthalene sulfonate condensates, or urea formaldehyde-based dispersants; or, polycarboxylate, polyaspartate, or oligomeric dispersants.

In various embodiments, the shrinkage reducers may comprise diols, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, and/or polypropylene glycols.

In various embodiments, the set and strength accelerators/enhancers may comprise at least one of nitrates, chlorides, thiocyanates, primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, alkanolamines or polyhydroxyalkylamines. Examples of suitable alkanolamines and polyhydroxyalkylamines include, but are not limited to, triethanolamine, tri-(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamines, and triisopropylamine.

In various embodiments, aggregate may be included in the cementitious formulation to provide for mortars which include fine aggregate, and concretes which also include coarse aggregate. The fine aggregates are materials that almost entirely pass through a Number 4 sieve (ASTM C125 and ASTM C33), such as silica sand. The coarse aggregates are materials that are predominantly retained on a Number 4 sieve (ASTM C125 and ASTM C33), such as silica, quartz, crushed marble, glass spheres, granite, limestone, calcite, feldspar, alluvial sands, sand or any other durable aggregate, and mixtures thereof.

Fillers for cementitious compositions may include, but are not limited to, aggregate, sand, stone, gravel, pozzolan, finely divided minerals, such as raw quartz, limestone powder, fibers, and the like, depending upon the intended application. As non-limiting examples, stone may include river rock, limestone, granite, sandstone, brownstone, conglomerate, calcite, dolomite, marble, serpentine, travertine, slate, bluestone, gneiss, quartzitic sandstone, quartzite and combinations thereof.

A pozzolan is a siliceous or aluminosiliceous material that possesses little or no cementitious value but will, in the presence of water and in finely divided form, chemically react with the calcium hydroxide produced during the hydration of portland cement to form materials with cementitious properties. Diatomaceous earth, opaline cherts, clays, shales, fly ash, slag, such as blast furnace slag, silica fume, metakaolin, volcanic tuffs and pumicites are some of the known pozzolans. Certain ground granulated blast-furnace slags and high calcium fly ashes possess both pozzolanic and cementitious properties. Natural pozzolan is a term of art used to define the pozzolans that occur in nature, such as volcanic tuffs, pumices, trasses, diatomaceous earths, opaline cherts, and some shales. Fly ash is defined in ASTM C618.

If used, silica fume can be uncompacted or can be partially compacted or added as a slurry. Silica fume additionally reacts with the hydration byproducts of the cement binder, which may provide for increased strength of the finished articles and may decrease the permeability of the finished articles.

In certain embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. In certain embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. In certain embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. In certain embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. As used herein, including in the appended claims, “based on the weight of cementitious material” refers to the total dry weight of all cementitious and/or pozzolanic materials present in a cementitious composition.

When added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material, the at least one desugared molasses may act as a water reducer. When added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material, the at least one desugared molasses may act as a set time retarder. When added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material, the at least one desugared molasses may act as both a water reducer and a set time retarder.

In certain embodiments, the cementitious composition and/or the admixture therefor may further comprise at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer. The at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.0002 to about 2 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material. As used herein, the phrase “not including added water” means that the weight of the subject material does not include the weight of any water which is not required for or produced during manufacture of the material

In certain embodiments, the cementitious composition and/or the admixture therefor may further comprise at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine. The at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.008 to about 0.1 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material.

In certain embodiments, provided is a method of preparing a cementitious composition comprising forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material, and at least one desugared molasses. The desugared molasses may be added to the cementitious composition alone or in combination with any other materials, such as but not limited to other cement admixtures or fillers.

In certain embodiments, provided is an admixture for cementitious compositions comprising: (i) at least one desugared molasses; and (ii) at least one additional active admixture component. The additional active admixture component may be any active admixture which will not adversely affect the activity that the desugared molasses may have on a cementitious composition. The additional active admixture component may be at least one of a water reducer, set retarder, set accelerator, strength enhancer, air detrainer, corrosion inhibitor, shrinkage reducers, viscosity modifiers, water proffers, permeability reducers, alkali silica reducers, or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the set accelerator and/or strength enhancer comprises at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine. In certain embodiments, the set accelerator may additionally or alternatively comprise at least one of thiocyanates, nitrates or chlorides.

In certain embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may be present in the admixture in an amount of from about 2 to about 98 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture. In further embodiments, the at least one desugared molasses may be present in the admixture in an amount of from about 8 to about 62 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture. As used herein, including in the appended claims, when referring to ingredients of an admixture, water is not included in the definition of “active ingredient”.

In certain embodiments, the at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture. In further embodiments, the at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 0.2 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture.

The following examples are set forth merely to further illustrate the subject cementitious composition and/or admixture. The illustrative examples should not be construed as limiting the cementitious composition and/or admixture in any manner.

FIG. 1 depicts the rate of heat evolution from the hydration reaction of cement pastes containing no admixture or admixtures made with the indicated levels of a sugar beet molasses or a desugared sugar beet molasses. In relation to the paste containing no admixture, both the molasses and desugared molasses delayed the hydration reaction of the cement pastes. However, even with a higher dosage of the desugared molasses in relation to molasses, the retardation of the hydration reaction was significantly less with the desugared molasses.

FIG. 2 compares calorimetry of hydration reactions of various cementitious compositions containing sugar beet molasses or desugared sugar beet molasses in order to estimate the time of set, in hours, of each cementitious composition. The estimated time of set is based on reaching a hydration rate of 1 W/kg. The retarding affect of the desugared molasses is significantly less than the molasses.

The following sample cementitious compositions included various admixtures or no admixture, as listed in the following Tables. Admixture A included desugared sugar beet molasses. Admixture B included triethanolamine. Admixture C included water, desugared sugar beet molasses, and about 3 weight percent of triethanolamine based on the total weight of the admixture, including water. Admixture D included water, desugared sugar beet molasses, and about 6 weight percent of triethanolamine based on the total weight of the admixture, including water. Admixture E was MB-AE™ 90 air entraining admixture for cementitious compositions, available from BASF Construction Chemicals, Cleveland, Ohio. Admixture F included a conventional water reducing admixture. The admixture doses listed in the following tables are provided in percent by weight, based on the total weight of all cementitious materials.

The Sample concrete compositions described below were prepared and tested to determine various physical characteristics of the compositions. The slump of each Sample was determined five minutes after the Sample was prepared according to ASTM C143. The air content of each Sample was determined five minutes after the Sample was prepared according to ASTM C231. The initial and final set times of each Sample were determined according to ASTM C403. The compressive strength of each Sample was determined at various intervals according to ASTM C39. The ASTM standards listed in this paragraph are incorporated herein by reference as if fully written out below. Blank fields in the tables representing results of these tests indicate that testing was not conducted.

Samples 1-4 were prepared using Type I APC low-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 1A. Samples 1-4 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.58 for Sample 1 and 0.54 for Samples 2-4. In all of Samples 1-4, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44. The results of the testing of Samples 1-4 are shown in Table 1B. Slump data from Table 1B Samples are shown in FIG. 3.

TABLE 1A Sample # 1 2 3 4 Admixture 1 None A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B Dose (wt %) 0.051 0.025

TABLE 1B Sample # 1 2 3 4 Slump (in) 6.50 6.00 5.00 7.50 Slump (cm) 16.5 15.2 12.7 19.1 Air Content (%) 1.1 1.4 1.9 1.5 Initial Set (hrs) 4.3 6.8 7.1 7.1 Final Set (hrs) 5.8 8.2 8.3 8.3 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1280 1510 1480 1410  1 Day (N/mm²) 8.82 10.4 10.2 9.72  7 Day (psi) 2650 2960 3130 2790  7 Day (N/mm²) 18.3 20.4 21.6 19.2 28 Day (psi) 3970 4420 3910 28 Day (N/mm²) 27.4 30.5 27.0

Samples 5-8 were prepared using Type I Hercules high-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 2A. Samples 5-8 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.55 for Sample 5 and 0.54 for Samples 6-8. In all of Samples 5-8, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44. The results of the testing of Samples 5-8 are shown in Table 2B. Slump data from Table 2B Samples are shown in FIG. 3.

TABLE 2A Sample # 5 6 7 8 Admixture 1 None A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B Dose (wt %) 0.051 0.025

TABLE 2B Sample # 5 6 7 8 Slump (in) 6.50 6.00 5.25 7.50 Slump (cm) 16.5 15.2 13.3 19.1 Air Content (%) 1.5 1.9 2.5 2.0 Initial Set (hr) 3.9 5.8 6.4 6.6 Final Set (hr) 5.1 6.9 7.4 7.6 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1800 1450 1450 1170  1 Day (N/mm²) 12.4 10.0 10.0 8.07  7 Day (psi) 2570 2360 2910 2800  7 Day (N/mm²) 17.7 16.3 20.1 19.3 28 Day (psi) 4080 4050 3990 3590 28 Day (N/mm²) 28.1 27.9 27.5 24.7

As shown in FIG. 3, the desugared molasses of Admixture A, alone or in combination with Admixture B, provided improved slump properties of cementitious compositions containing fly ash with respect to the cementitious compositions without admixtures.

Samples 9-13 were prepared using Type I Hercules high-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 3A. Samples 9-13 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.59 for Sample 9 and 0.55 for Samples 10-13. In all of Samples 9-13, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44. The results of the testing of Samples 9-13 are shown in Table 3B.

TABLE 3A Sample # 9 10 11 12 13 Admixture 1 None A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.012 0.025 0.051

TABLE 3B Sample # 9 10 11 12 13 Slump (in) 5.25 4.50 4.50 4.00 5.00 Slump (cm) 13.3 11.4 11.4 10.2 12.7 Air Content (%) 1.7 2.3 2.4 2.3 2.3 Initial Set (hr) 5.3 8.4 8.2 8.2 8.9 Final Set (hr) 7.0 10.2 10.0 10.2 10.7 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1090 1260 1260 1190 1160  1 Day (N/mm²) 7.51 8.69 8.69 8.20 8.00  7 Day (psi) 2500 3115 2850 2995 2765  7 Day (N/mm²) 17.2 21.5 19.6 20.7 19.1 28 Day (psi) 3920 4620 4580 4640 4440 28 Day (N/mm²) 27.0 31.9 31.6 32.0 30.6

Samples 14-18 were prepared using Type I APC low-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 4A. Samples 14-18 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.60 for Sample 14, 0.54 for Samples 15-16, and 0.52 for Samples 17-18. In all of Samples 14-18, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44. The results of the testing of Samples 14-18 are shown in Table 4B.

TABLE 4A Sample # 14 15 16 17 18 Admixture 1 None A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.012 0.025 0.051

TABLE 4B Sample # 14 15 16 17 18 Slump (in) 6.25 4.50 4.25 3.25 5.25 Slump (cm) 15.9 11.4 10.8 8.26 13.3 Air Content (%) 1.1 1.6 1.9 1.9 2.0 Initial Set (hr) 6.3 9.2 9.1 8.9 9.6 Final Set (hr) 8.9 11.8 11.8 11.4 11.7 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1020 1110 1180 1260 1040  1 Day (N/mm²) 7.03 7.65 8.13 8.69 7.17  7 Day (psi) 2715 3255 3425 3530 3470  7 Day (N/mm²) 18.7 22.4 23.6 24.3 23.9 28 Day (psi) 3960 4670 4760 4650 4750 28 Day (N/mm²) 27.3 32.2 32.8 32.1 32.7

Samples 19-23 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 5A. Samples 19-23 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cement proportion was 0.56 for Sample 19 and 0.51 for Samples 20-23. In all of Samples 19-23, the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44, with Samples 20-23 having about 2% more aggregate than Sample 19, by weight. The results of the testing of Samples 19-23 are shown in Table 5B. Set time data from Table 5B Samples are shown in FIG. 4.

TABLE 5A Sample # 19 20 21 22 23 Admixture 1 None A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.012 0.025 0.051

TABLE 5B Sample # 19 20 21 22 23 Slump (in) 5.75 4.75 4.75 3.75 6.75 Slump (cm) 14.6 12.1 12.1 9.53 17.1 Air Content (%) 1.7 2.4 2.5 2.8 2.8 Initial Set (hr) 4.8 7.9 7.5 7.6 8.3 Final Set (hr) 6.4 10.0 9.3 9.3 9.7 Comp. Strength 1 Day (psi) 1780 1960 2390 2330 2260 1 Day (N/mm²) 12.3 13.5 16.5 16.1 15.6 7 Day (psi) 3720 4450 4730 4470 4310 7 Day (N/mm²) 25.6 30.7 32.6 30.8 29.7

Samples 24-28 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 6A. Samples 24-28 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.55 for Sample 24, 0.53 for Samples 25-26, and 0.52 for Samples 27-28. In all of Samples 24-28, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44, with Samples 25-28 having about 2% more aggregate than Sample 24, by weight. The results of the testing of Samples 24-28 are shown in Table 6B. Set time data from Table 6B Samples are shown in FIG. 4.

TABLE 6A Sample # 24 25 26 27 28 Admixture 1 None A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.012 0.025 0.051

TABLE 6B Sample # 24 25 26 27 28 Slump (in) 7.00 7.25 6.75 6.25 7.00 Slump (cm) 17.8 18.4 17.1 15.9 17.8 Air Content (%) 1.5 1.9 2.2 2.2 2.6 Initial Set (hr) 5.3 9.1 9.3 9.8 9.6 Final Set (hr) 7.1 11.3 11.3 11.7 11.6 Comp. Strength 1 Day (psi) 1017 1050 1200 1160 1220 1 Day (N/mm²) 7.01 7.24 8.27 8.00 8.41 7 Day (psi) 2530 2670 3130 3300 3230 7 Day (N/mm²) 17.4 18.4 21.6 22.8 22.3

As shown in FIG. 4, the desugared molasses of Admixture A, alone or in combination with Admixture B, retarded the set time of the cementitious composition (both with and without fly ash) as compared to a cementitious composition without admixtures.

Samples 29-36 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and slag to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 7. Samples 29-36 each contained cement, slag, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.58 for Sample 29 and 0.54 for Samples 30-36. In all of Samples 29-36, the slag represented 50% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.43, with Samples 30-36 having about 2% more aggregate than Sample 29, by weight. The results of the testing of Samples 29-36 are also shown in Table 7. Compressive strength data from Table 7 Samples are shown in FIG. 5.

TABLE 7 Sample # 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Admixture 1 None A A A A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None B B B B B B None Dose (wt %) 0.051 0.038 0.032 0.025 0.018 0.012 Slump (in) 7.25 7.25 7.75 4.25 4.00 4.00 4.00 3.25 Slump (cm) 18.4 18.4 19.7 10.8 10.2 10.2 10.2 8.26 Air Content (%) 2.0 2.7 2.9 2.9 2.5 3.0 2.4 2.5 Initial Set (hr) 4.6 8.8 8.9 8.5 8.3 8.4 8.3 8.1 Final Set (hr) 7.4 11.0 10.9 10.8 10.7 10.6 10.5 10.4 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 880 1040 1040 1160 1210 1110 1090 1030  1 Day (N/mm²) 6.07 7.17 7.17 8.00 8.34 7.65 7.51 7.10  7 Day (psi) 3980 5140 5370 5560 5420 5260 5470 5370  7 Day (N/mm²) 27.4 35.4 37.0 38.3 37.4 36.6 37.7 37.0 28 Day (psi) 5760 7130 7210 7310 7450 7100 7510 7310 28 Day (N/mm²) 39.7 49.2 49.7 50.4 51.4 48.9 51.8 50.4

As shown in FIG. 5, the desugared molasses of Admixture A, alone or in combination with Admixture B, increased the compressive strength of the cementitious composition containing slag as compared to a similar cementitious composition without admixtures.

Samples 37-41 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 8A. Samples 37-41 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cement proportion was 0.58 for Sample 37 and 0.52 for Samples 38-41. In all of Samples 37-41, the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.46, with Samples 38-41 having about 2% more aggregate than Sample 37, by weight. The results of the testing of Samples 37-41 are shown in Table 8B.

TABLE 8A Sample # 37 38 39 40 41 Admixture 1 None A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.051 0.025 0.012

TABLE 8B Sample # 37 38 39 40 41 Slump (in) 6.25 3.00 3.50 3.75 3.75 Slump (cm) 15.9 7.62 8.89 9.53 9.53 Air Content (%) 2.1 2.8 3.3 3.1 2.5 Initial Set (hr) 4.7 7.9 8.5 8.0 7.7 Final Set (hr) 6.9 10.0 10.4 9.9 9.6 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1420 1650 1990 2270 2200  1 Day (N/mm²) 9.79 11.4 13.7 15.6 15.2  7 Day (psi) 3370 4200 4230 4530 4850  7 Day (N/mm²) 23.2 29.0 29.2 31.2 33.4 28 Day (psi) 4670 5080 5090 5230 5630 28 Day (N/mm²) 32.2 35.0 35.1 36.1 38.8

Samples 42-46 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and slag to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 9A. Samples 42-46 each contained cement, slag, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.58 for Sample 42 and 0.53 for Samples 43-46. In all of Samples 42-46, the slag represented 50% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.46, with Samples 43-46 having about 2% more aggregate than Sample 42, by weight. The results of the testing of Samples 42-46 are shown in Table 9B.

TABLE 9A Sample # 42 43 44 45 46 Admixture 1 None A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.051 0.025 0.012

TABLE 9B Sample # 42 43 44 45 46 Slump (in) 7.25 1.50 6.75 4.75 6.75 Slump (cm) 18.4 3.81 17.1 12.1 17.1 Air Content (%) 2.1 2.9 3.2 3.0 2.8 Initial Set (hr) 5.2 7.8 9.2 9.0 9.1 Final Set (hr) 7.9 11.0 11.7 11.2 11.7 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 800 1070 850 950 810  1 Day (N/mm²) 5.51 7.38 5.86 6.55 5.58  7 Day (psi) 3900 5450 4590 4880 4860  7 Day (N/mm²) 26.9 37.6 31.6 33.6 33.5 28 Day (psi) 5790 6910 6320 6400 6760 28 Day (N/mm²) 39.9 47.6 43.6 44.1 46.6

Samples 47-51 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 10A. Samples 47-51 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.53 for Sample 47 and 0.48 for Samples 48-51. In all of Samples 47-51, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44, with Samples 48-51 having about 2% more aggregate than Sample 47, by weight. The admixtures C utilized in Samples 48-51 contained samples of desugared molasses which were obtained from different sugar beet molasses processing batches. The results of the testing of Samples 47-51 are shown in Table 10B. Compressive strength data from Table 10B Samples are shown in FIG. 6.

TABLE 10A Samples # 47 48 49 50 51 Admixture None C C C C Dose (wt %) 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12

TABLE 10B Sample # 47 48 46 50 51 Slump (in) 6.50 5.50 6.75 8.00 5.00 Slump (cm) 16.5 14.0 17.1 20.3 12.7 Air Content (%) 1.4 2.2 2.3 2.6 2.3 Initial Set (hr) 5.4 12.1 10.5 10.5 10.5 Final Set (hr) 7.4 13.8 12.4 12.2 11.9 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1150 1320 1430 1370 1430  1 Day (N/mm²) 7.93 9.10 9.86 9.44 9.86  7 Day (psi) 2730 3960 3970 3880 4030  7 Day (N/mm²) 18.8 27.3 27.4 26.7 27.8 28 Day (psi) 3790 5230 4970 5100 5190 28 Day (N/mm²) 26.1 36.1 34.3 35.2 35.8

Samples 52-56 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 11A. Samples 52-56 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cement proportion was 0.52 for Sample 52 and 0.48 for Samples 53-56. In all of Samples 52-56, the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44, with Samples 53-56 having about 2% more aggregate than Sample 52, by weight. The admixtures C utilized in Samples 53-56 contained samples of desugared molasses which were obtained from different sugar beet molasses processing batches. The results of the testing of Samples 52-56 are shown in Table 11B. Compressive strength data from Table 11B Samples are shown in FIG. 6.

TABLE 11A Sample # 52 53 54 55 56 Admixture None C C C C Dose (wt %) 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12

TABLE 11B Sample # 52 53 54 55 56 Slump (in) 6.75 4.50 7.50 4.00 4.25 Slump (cm) 17.1 11.4 19.1 10.2 10.8 Air Content (%) 1.6 2.8 2.8 3.0 2.8 Initial Set (hr) 5.0 11.3 10.1 9.6 9.1 Final Set (hr) 6.5 12.8 11.9 11.3 10.7 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1820 2260 2350 2450 2510  1 Day (N/mm²) 12.6 15.6 16.2 16.9 17.3  7 Day (psi) 4150 5130 5060 5140 5130  7 Day (N/mm²) 28.6 35.4 34.9 35.4 35.4 28 Day (psi) 5200 5810 6020 6060 6230 28 Day (N/mm²) 35.8 40.1 41.5 41.8 42.9

As shown in FIG. 6, Admixture C containing desugared molasses increased the compressive strength of the cementitious composition (both with and without fly ash) as compared to similar cementitious compositions without admixtures.

Samples 57-61 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 12A. Samples 57-61 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.50 for Sample 57 and 0.45 for Samples 58-61. In all of Samples 57-61, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42, with Samples 58-61 having about 3% more aggregate than Sample 57, by weight. The admixtures C utilized in Samples 58-61 contained samples of desugared molasses which were obtained from different sugar beet molasses processing batches. The results of the testing of Samples 57-61 are shown in Table 12B.

TABLE 12A Sample # 57 58 59 60 61 Admixture 1 None C C C C Dose (wt %) 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 Admixture 2 E E E E E Dose (wt %) 0.006 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 Dose (oz/cwt) 0.7 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

TABLE 12B Sample # 57 58 59 60 61 Slump (in) 6.50 6.50 5.25 5.50 6.50 Slump (cm) 16.5 16.5 13.3 14.0 16.5 Air Content (%) 2.3 7.5 7.2 7.5 7.6 Initial Set (hr) Final Set (hr) Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 710 700 820 630  1 Day (N/mm²) 4.89 4.83 5.65 4.34  7 Day (psi) 3190 3140 3190 3020  7 Day (N/mm²) 22.0 21.6 22.0 20.8 28 Day (psi) 4350 4090 4260 3930 28 Day (N/mm²) 30.0 28.2 29.4 27.1

Samples 62-66 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and Class F Fly Ash to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 13A. Samples 62-66 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.50 for Sample 62 and 0.47 for Samples 63-66. In all of Samples 62-66, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42, with Samples 63-66 having about 3% more aggregate than Sample 62, by weight. The admixtures C utilized in Samples 63-66 contained samples of desugared molasses which were obtained from different sugar beet molasses processing batches. The results of the testing of Samples 62-66 are shown in Table 13B.

TABLE 13A Sample # 62 63 64 65 66 Admixture None C C C C Dose (wt %) 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08

TABLE 13B Sample # 62 63 64 65 66 Slump (in) 5.00 4.00 3.75 4.00 4.75 Slump (cm) 12.7 10.2 9.53 10.2 12.1 Air Content (%) 1.6 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.5 Initial Set (hr) 8.8 14.5 14.0 14.6 15.2 Final Set (hr) 13.4 19.4 19.2 19.9 18.9 Comp. Strength  3 Day (psi) 1230 1910 1790 1820 1950  3 Day (N/mm²) 8.48 13.2 12.3 12.5 13.4  7 Day (psi) 2300 3190 3160 3100 3170  7 Day (N/mm²) 15.9 22.0 21.8 21.4 21.9 28 Day (psi) 3700 4700 4620 4770 4780 28 Day (N/mm²) 25.5 32.4 31.9 32.9 33.0

Samples 67-71 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 14A. Samples 67-71 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cement proportion was 0.51 for Sample 67 and 0.47 for Samples 68-71. In all of Samples 67-71, the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42, with Samples 68-71 having about 3% more aggregate than Sample 67, by weight. The admixtures C utilized in Samples 68-71 contained samples of desugared molasses which were obtained from different sugar beet molasses processing batches. The results of the testing of Samples 67-71 are shown in Table 14B.

TABLE 14A Sample # 67 68 69 70 71 Admixture None C C C C Dose (wt %) 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08

TABLE 14B Sample # 67 68 69 70 71 Slump (in) 4.50 5.00 4.25 8.00 4.75 Slump (cm) 11.4 12.7 10.8 20.3 12.1 Air Content (%) 1.9 2.8 2.8 2.2 2.6 Initial Set (hr) 8.3 14.0 13.6 14.3 17.0 Final Set (hr) 12.0 18.2 17.1 17.8 Comp. Strength  3 Day (psi) 1890 2780 2670 2340 2870  3 Day (N/mm²) 13.0 19.2 18.4 16.1 19.8  7 Day (psi) 3440 4310 4340 3760 4530  7 Day (N/mm²) 23.7 29.7 29.9 25.9 31.2 28 Day (psi) 5500 5960 6340 5490 6480 28 Day (N/mm²) 37.9 41.1 43.7 37.8 44.7

Samples 72-74 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 15A. Samples 72-74 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cement proportion was 0.51 for Sample 72 and 0.49 for Samples 73-74. In all of Samples 72-74, the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42, with Samples 73-74 having about 3% more aggregate than Sample 72, by weight. The results of the testing of Samples 72-74 are shown in Table 15B. Compressive strength data from Table 15B Samples are shown in FIG. 7.

TABLE 15A Sample # 72 73 74 Admixture None C D Dose (wt %) 0.12 0.14

TABLE 15B Sample # 72 73 74 Slump (in) 4.00 3.50 3.00 Slump (cm) 10.2 8.89 7.62 Air Content (%) 2.0 2.8 2.9 Initial Set (hr) 4.0 7.1 7.2 Final Set (hr) Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 2120 2690 2820  1 Day (N/mm²) 14.6 18.5 19.4  7 Day (psi) 5010 5490 5970  7 Day (N/mm²) 34.5 37.8 41.2 28 Day (psi) 6320 6630 6760 28 Day (N/mm²) 43.6 45.7 46.6

Samples 75-77 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and slag to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 16A. Samples 75-77 each contained cement, slag, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.53 for Sample 75 and 0.48 for Samples 76-77. In all of Samples 75-77, the slag represented 50% of the total cementitious materials. The sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42 for Samples 75 and 77 and 0.43 for Sample 76. Sample 77 had about 3% more aggregate than Sample 75, by weight. The results of the testing of Samples 75-77 are shown in Table 16B. Compressive strength data from Table 16B Samples are shown in FIG. 7.

TABLE 16A Sample # 75 76 77 Admixture None C D Dose (wt %) 0.12 0.14

TABLE 16B Sample # 75 76 77 Slump (in) 5.25 3.00 3.00 Slump (cm) 13.3 7.62 7.62 Air Content (%) 1.8 2.9 2.9 Initial Set (hr) 4.8 8.6 8.6 Final Set (hr) Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 950 1170 1080  1 Day (N/mm²) 6.55 8.07 7.45  7 Day (psi) 4570 6200 6090  7 Day (N/mm²) 31.5 42.7 42.0 28 Day (psi) 6730 8330 8750 28 Day (N/mm²) 46.4 57.4 60.3

As shown in FIG. 7, Admixtures C and D containing desugared molasses increased the compressive strength of the cementitious composition (both with and without slag) as compared to similar cementitious compositions without such admixtures.

Samples 78-82 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement and slag to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 17A. Samples 78-82 each contained cement, slag, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.55 for Sample 78 and 0.50 for Samples 79-82. In all of Samples 78-82, the slag represented 50% of the total cementitious materials, and the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42, with Samples 79-82 having about 3% more aggregate than Sample 78, by weight. The admixtures D utilized in Samples 79-82 contained samples of desugared molasses which were obtained from different sugar beet molasses processing batches. The results of the testing of Samples 78-82 are shown in Table 17B. Compressive strength data from Table 17B Samples are shown in FIG. 8.

TABLE 17A Sample # 78 79 80 81 82 Admixture None D D D D Dose (wt %) 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14

TABLE 17B Sample # 78 79 80 81 82 Slump (in) 6.50 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.50 Slump (cm) 16.5 10.2 10.2 10.2 11.4 Air Content (%) 1.9 2.6 2.8 2.6 2.8 Initial Set (hr) 4.4 9.5 8.9 8.9 9.0 Final Set (hr) 7.0 11.8 10.7 10.8 11.0 Comp. Strength 1 Day (psi) 990 1230 1330 1350 1510 1 Day (N/mm²) 6.83 8.48 9.17 9.31 10.4 7 Day (psi) 4250 6200 6100 6160 6430 7 Day (N/mm²) 29.3 42.7 42.1 42.5 44.3

Samples 83-87 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 18A. Samples 83-87 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cement proportion was 0.53 for Sample 83 and 0.50 for Samples 84-87. In all of Samples 83-87, the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42, with Samples 84-87 having about 3% more aggregate than Sample 83, by weight. The admixtures D utilized in Samples 84-87 contained samples of desugared molasses which were obtained from different sugar beet molasses processing batches. The results of the testing of Samples 83-87 are shown in Table 18B. Compressive strength data from Table 18B Samples are shown in FIG. 8.

TABLE 18A Sample # 83 84 85 86 87 Admixture None D D D D Dose (wt %) 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14

TABLE 18B Sample # 83 84 85 86 87 Slump (in) 4.50 2.00 2.75 3.00 3.50 Slump (cm) 11.4 5.08 6.99 7.62 8.89 Air Content (%) 2.0 2.8 2.9 2.9 2.9 Initial Set (hr) 4.3 8.3 7.8 7.5 7.8 Final Set (hr) 6.0 10.0 9.2 9.2 9.4 Comp. Strength 1 Day (psi) 2620 3310 3360 3160 3090 1 Day (N/mm²) 18.1 22.8 32.2 21.8 21.3 7 Day (psi) 4860 5280 5540 5530 5410 7 Day (N/mm²) 33.5 36.4 38.2 38.1 37.3

As shown in FIG. 8, Admixture D containing desugared molasses increased the compressive strength of the cementitious composition as compared to similar cementitious compositions without such admixtures.

Samples 88-91 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement (Samples 88-89) and Type I Saylor high-alkali cement (Samples 90-91) to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 19A. Samples 88-91 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cement proportion was 0.55 for Samples 88-89 and 0.54 for Samples 91-91. In all of Samples 88-91, the sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42. The results of the testing of Samples 88-91 are shown in Table 19B.

TABLE 19A Sample # 88 89 90 91 Admixture 1 F A F A Dose (wt %) 0.08 0.053 0.08 0.053 Admixture 2 None B None B Dose (wt %) 0.012 0.012

TABLE 19B Sample # 88 89 90 91 Slump (in) 5.00 6.00 7.00 6.00 Slump (cm) 12.7 15.2 17.8 15.2 Air Content (%) 1.6 1.5 7.6 7.5 Initial Set (hr) 5.3 5.2 5.9 5.8 Final Set (hr) 6.8 6.7 7.5 7.5 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 2210 2090 1730 1750  1 Day (N/mm²) 15.2 14.4 11.9 12.1  7 Day (psi) 4950 — 3150 3270  7 Day (N/mm²) 34.1 — 21.7 22.5 28 Day (psi) 5110 5040 3670 3900 28 Day (N/mm²) 35.2 34.7 25.3 26.9

Samples 92-95 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement (Samples 92-93) and Type I Saylor high-alkali cement (Samples 94-95) to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 20A. Samples 92-95 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. In all of Samples 92-95, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.52 for Samples 92-95. The sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.45 for Sample 92 and 0.42 for Samples 93-95. The results of the testing of Samples 92-95 are shown in Table 20B.

TABLE 20A Sample # 92 93 94 95 Admixture 1 F A F A Dose (wt %) 0.08 0.053 0.08 0.053 Admixture 2 None B None B Dose (wt %) 0.012 0.012

TABLE 20B Sample # 92 93 94 95 Slump (in) 6.25 4.75 5.75 5.50 Slump (cm) 15.9 12.1 14.6 14.0 Air Content (%) 2.0 2.1 5.9 5.5 Initial Set (hr) 7.0 6.2 6.5 6.4 Final Set (hr) 8.7 8.2 8.5 8.2 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 1220 1210 1230 1280  1 Day (N/mm²) 8.4 8.3 8.5 8.8  7 Day (psi) 3180 3210 3030 2990  7 Day (N/mm²) 21.9 22.1 20.9 20.6 28 Day (psi) 4540 4490 4160 4260 28 Day (N/mm²) 31.3 31.0 28.7 29.4

Samples 96-99 were prepared using Type I Lehigh moderate-alkali cement (Samples 96-97) and Type I Hercules high-alkali cement (Samples 98-99) to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 21A. Samples 96-99 each contained cement, slag, sand, stone and water. In all of Samples 96-99, the slag represented 50% of the total cementitious materials. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.56 for Samples 96-97 and 0.54 for Samples 98-99. The sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.42 for Samples 96-99. The results of the testing of Samples 96-99 are shown in Table 21B.

TABLE 21A Sample # 96 97 98 99 Admixture 1 F A F A Dose (wt %) 0.08 0.053 0.08 0.053 Admixture 2 None B None B Dose (wt %) 0.012 0.012

TABLE 21B Sample # 96 97 98 99 Slump (in) 6.50 6.75 5.25 5.25 Slump (cm) 16.5 17.1 13.3 13.3 Air Content (%) 1.8 1.7 1.9 2.1 Initial Set (hr) 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.0 Final Set (hr) 8.5 8.6 8.8 7.9 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) 800 770 740 780  1 Day (N/mm²) 5.5 5.3 5.1 5.4  7 Day (psi) 4720 4150 4290 4370  7 Day (N/mm²) 32.5 28.6 29.6 30.1 28 Day (psi) 6460 6190 6730 6960 28 Day (N/mm²) 44.5 42.7 46.4 48.0

Samples 100-103 were prepared using Type I Hercules high-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 22A. Samples 100-103 each contained cement, sand, stone and water. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.56 for Samples 100-101 and 103, and 0.52 for Sample 102. The sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.45 for Samples 100-103. The results of the testing of Samples 100-103 are shown in Table 22B.

TABLE 22A Sample # 100 101 102 103 Admixture 1 F A A A Dose (wt %) 0.11 0.071 0.071 0.071 Admixture 2 None B B None Dose (wt %) 0.051 0.025

TABLE 22B Sample # 100 101 102 103 Slump (in) 5.00 5.00 6.25 5.75 Slump (cm) 12.7 12.7 15.9 14.6 Air Content (%) 2.7 2.8 2.7 2.5 Initial Set (hr) 9.7 8.5 8.5 7.9 Final Set (hr) 12.7 11.5 11.7 11.2 Comp. Strength  1 Day (psi) — — — —  1 Day (N/mm²) — — — —  7 Day (psi) 3760 3630 3500 3590  7 Day (N/mm²) 25.9 25.0 24.1 24.8 28 Day (psi) 5140 5030 4870 5040 28 Day (N/mm²) 35.4 34.7 33.6 34.7

Samples 104-108 were prepared using Type I APC low-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 23A. Samples 104-108 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. In all of Samples 104-108, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.54 for Samples 104-108. The sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44 for Samples 104-108. The results of the testing of Samples 104-108 are shown in Table 23B.

TABLE 23A Sample # 104 105 106 107 108 Admixture 1 F A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.11 0.071 0.071 0.071 0.071 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.009 0.017 0.034

TABLE 23B Sample # 104 105 106 107 108 Slump (in) 6.75 6.00 7.00 7.50 6.50 Slump (cm) 17.1 15.2 17.8 19.1 16.5 Air Content (%) 1.9 1.5 1.6 0.9 2.2 Initial Set (hr) 12.7 13.7 12.9 12.6 13.3 Final Set (hr) 17.1 19.1 18.5 17.9 18.6 Comp. Strength  3 Day (psi) 1440 1240 1460 1500 1430  3 Day (N/mm²) 9.9 8.5 10.1 10.3 9.9  7 Day (psi) 2930 2630 2700 2910 2810  7 Day (N/mm²) 20.2 18.1 18.6 20.1 19.4 28 Day (psi) 3890 3700 3820 3800 3810 28 Day (N/mm²) 26.8 25.5 26.3 26.2 26.3

Samples 109-113 were prepared using Type I Hercules high-alkali cement to create concrete compositions with admixture dosages according to Table 24A. Samples 109-113 each contained cement, fly ash, sand, stone and water. In all of Samples 109-113, the fly ash represented 25% of the total cementitious materials. The water to cementitious material proportion was 0.54 for Samples 109-113. The sand to total aggregate (sand and stone) proportion was 0.44 for Samples 109-113. The results of the testing of Samples 109-113 are shown in Table 24B.

TABLE 24A Sample # 109 110 111 112 113 Admixture 1 F A A A A Dose (wt %) 0.11 0.071 0.071 0.071 0.071 Admixture 2 None None B B B Dose (wt %) 0.009 0.017 0.034

TABLE 24B Sample # 109 110 111 112 113 Slump (in) 5.00 6.50 5.75 6.25 5.25 Slump (cm) 12.7 16.5 14.6 15.9 13.3 Air Content (%) 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.5 2.7 Initial Set (hr) 12.3 12.2 11.7 12.5 13.0 Final Set (hr) 16.2 16.5 16.3 17.3 17.6 Comp. Strength  3 Day (psi) 1300 1350 1400 1420 1360  3 Day (N/mm²) 9.0 9.3 9.7 9.8 9.4  7 Day (psi) 2110 2200 2300 2230 2250  7 Day (N/mm²) 14.5 15.2 15.9 15.4 15.5 28 Day (psi) 2940 3300 3320 3250 3060 28 Day (N/mm²) 20.3 22.8 22.9 22.4 21.1

The results of the experimentation performed on the Samples listed above shows that the use of a suitable waste material such as desugared molasses may provide improved results when compared to cementitious compositions without admixtures.

In a first embodiment, a cementitious composition may comprise at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses.

The cementitious composition of the first embodiment may include that the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material comprises at least one of cement, fly ash, slag, silica fume or metakaolin.

The cementitious composition of either or both of the first or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses comprises at least one of desugared sugar beet molasses, desugared sugar cane molasses or soy molasses.

The cementitious composition of any of the first or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 45% sugars by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.

The cementitious composition of any of the first or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective of amount of from greater than 0% to about 40% sucrose by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.

The cementitious composition of any of the first or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. The at least one desugared molasses may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. The at least one desugared molasses may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. The at least one desugared molasses may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.

The cementitious composition of any of the first or subsequent embodiments may further comprise at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer. The at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.0002 to about 2 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material.

The cementitious composition of any of the first or subsequent embodiments may further comprise at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine. The at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine may be present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.008 to about 0.1 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material.

In a second embodiment, a method of preparing a cementitious composition may comprise forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material, and at least one desugared molasses.

The method of the second embodiment may further include that the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material comprises at least one of cement, fly ash, slag, silica fume or metakaolin.

The method of either or both of the second or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses comprises at least one of desugared sugar beet molasses, desugared sugar cane molasses or soy molasses.

The method of any of the second or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 45% sugars by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.

The method of any of the second or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 40% sucrose by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.

The method of any of the second or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. The at least one desugared molasses may be added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. The at least one desugared molasses may be added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material. The at least one desugared molasses may be added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.

The method of any of the second or subsequent embodiments may further comprise adding at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer to the cementitious composition, optionally in formulation with the desugared molasses. The at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer may be added to the cementitious composition or present in the desugared molasses formulation in an amount of from about 0.0002 to about 2 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material.

The method of any of the second or subsequent embodiments may further comprise adding at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine to the cementitious composition, optionally in formulation with the desugared molasses. The at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine may be added to the cementitious composition or present in the desugared molasses formulation in an amount of from about 0.008 to about 0.1 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material.

In a third embodiment, an admixture for cementitious compositions may comprise: (i) at least one desugared molasses; and (ii) at least one additional active admixture component, optionally at least one of a water reducer, set retarder, set accelerator, strength enhancer, air detrainer, corrosion inhibitor, shrinkage reducers, viscosity modifiers, water proffers, permeability reducers, alkali silica reducers, or combinations thereof.

The admixture of the third embodiment may further include that the set accelerator and/or strength enhancer comprises at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine.

The admixture of either or both of the third or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses comprises at least one of desugared sugar beet molasses, desugared sugar cane molasses or soy molasses.

The admixture of any of the third or subsequent embodiments may further include the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 45% sugars by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.

The admixture of any of the third or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 40% sucrose by weight, based on the weight of the at least one desugared molasses.

The admixture of any of the third or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one desugared molasses is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 2 to about 98 weight percent, based on the total weight of the admixture. The at least one desugared molasses may be present in the admixture in an amount of from about 8 to about 62 weight percent, based on the total weight of the admixture.

The admixture of any of the third or subsequent embodiments may further include that the at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the admixture. The at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine may be present in the admixture in an amount of from about 0.2 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the admixture.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as described hereinabove. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired result. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cementitious composition comprising at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses.
 2. The cementitious composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material comprises at least one of cement, fly ash, slag, silica fume or metakaolin.
 3. The cementitious composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one desugared molasses comprises at least one of desugared sugar beet molasses, desugared sugar cane molasses or soy molasses.
 4. The cementitious composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective of amount of from greater than 0% to about 45% sugars by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.
 5. The cementitious composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 40% sucrose by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.
 6. The cementitious composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 7. The cementitious composition of claim 6, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 8. The cementitious composition of claim 6, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 9. The cementitious composition of claim 6, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 10. The cementitious composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer.
 11. The cementitious composition of claim 10, wherein the at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.0002 to about 2 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 12. A method of preparing a cementitious composition comprising forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material, and at least one desugared molasses.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material comprises at least one of cement, fly ash, slag, silica fume or metakaolin.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one desugared molasses comprises at least one of desugared sugar beet molasses, desugared sugar cane molasses or soy molasses.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one desugared molasses contains from greater than 0% to about 45% sugars by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one desugared molasses contains from greater than 0% to about 40% sucrose by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is present in the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.4 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is added to the cementitious composition in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.25 dry weight percent, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 21. The method of claim 12, further comprising adding at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer to the cementitious composition, optionally in formulation with the desugared molasses.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one set accelerator and/or at least one strength enhancer is added to the cementitious composition or is present in the desugared molasses formulation in an amount of from about 0.0002 to about 2 weight percent not including added water, based on the weight of cementitious material.
 23. An admixture for cementitious compositions comprising: (i) at least one desugared molasses; and (ii) at least one additional active admixture component, optionally at least one of a water reducer, set retarder, set accelerator, strength enhancer, air detrainer, corrosion inhibitor, shrinkage reducers, viscosity modifiers, water proffers, permeability reducers, alkali silica reducers, or combinations thereof.
 24. The admixture of claim 23, wherein the set accelerator and/or strength enhancer comprises at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine.
 25. The admixture of claim 23, wherein the at least one desugared molasses comprises at least one of desugared sugar beet molasses, desugared sugar cane molasses or soy molasses.
 26. The admixture of claim 23, wherein the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 45% sugars by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.
 27. The admixture of claim 23, wherein the at least one desugared molasses contains an effective amount of from greater than 0% to about 40% sucrose by weight, based on the dry weight of the at least one desugared molasses.
 28. The admixture of claim 23, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 2 to about 98 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture.
 29. The admixture of claim 28, wherein the at least one desugared molasses is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 8 to about 62 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture.
 30. The admixture of claim 24, wherein the at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture.
 31. The admixture of claim 30, wherein the at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine is present in the admixture in an amount of from about 0.2 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of active ingredients of the admixture. 